Keep your feedback about the piece, not the person. When we talk about how a sentence is formed or the depth of analysis in a paragraph, we sidestep the blame or shame that writers might feel for having gotten something "wrong." And when giving any feedback about constructions or wording changes, point out what is confusing and give an example of a possible solution. This gives the writer agency to craft a correction without them feeling like you're telling them what to write.
Avoid the words “I” and “you” when offering feedback to writers. Avoid all caps, double question marks, and double exclamation points. It's more objective and less adversarial. Leave comments and questions that are focused on (and informed by the goal of) helping the writer better satisfy the reader’s needs and expectations, align with best practices and industry standards, and achieve a better version of their first draft. And always close any correspondence on a complimentary and upbeat note. A bit of encouragement goes a long way.
I try to keep things as encouraging as possible. This is not Miranda Priestly’s era! Research has found the compliment sandwich is not as effective as one would think. Instead, I try to communicate and keep a mindset of ‘I believe this should change because of this reason, and I believe you can get there.’ Encouragement gives courage.
You must be respectful and put yourself on the other side of the conversation. I was once told that I could "tell someone off and they would thank me for it". At first I was insulted by that remark, but as I got older I realized that it meant I knew how to speak to people and constructively criticize them without offending them. That is the art of mastering effective communication. To be successful in this fast paced industry you must clearly communicate what your needs are from the writers. Writers are super busy and working on tight deadlines with limited resources, so when we (editors) receive their articles clearly written with all content and photos with credits up front, that makes the whole approval process much easier.
Precisely demonstrate what you want. To be a helpful and constructive editor, and ultimately to get the best out of your writers, you should go the extra mile and thoroughly demonstrate what you require. This begins with the brief you provide. Giving a thorough demonstration may feel like it involves a large time investment, but in the long run, it will save both you and the writer time, because it eliminates the need for guesswork. For example, if you have commissioned a 20-point listicle, it will likely help if you write 1 one of these points yourself, in full. You should then explain precisely why you have included whatever material you chose. If any aspect of your writers' finished piece is not as desired, you can gently but clearly point to the specific point where they deviated from the example you set out for them. Michael Sandford, Editor, Pink Wafer
The main thing to remember while communicating editorial feedback is how important the manuscript is to the author. Think of yourself like a teacher giving feedback about a child to the parent(s). So try to keep the tone encouraging, focus on giving specific suggestions for improvement rather than opinions about how good or bad it is. Providing examples always helps - if you can edit a part and show how the writer can improve it, that'll be useful.
As someone who has done copy and content editing across multiple mediums, my best advice is to explain the “why” behind your changes rather than just the “what.” If you are not laying out the specifics of why your suggestions would improve the piece, you are doing the writer an incredible disservice. After all, the goal of an editor is to help someone become stronger in their craft, not continue to fall into the same patterns. Providing clear, actionable steps for revisions streamlines the editing process. This is because you are eliminating time spent on back-and-forth conversations with the writer when they are unsure of how to proceed, well into the future. They become better equipped to apply your feedback when it is fully fleshed out, and they will feel more confident in their skills. Whether the writer has a habit of excessive jargon, repetitive word choices, or misuse of punctuation, refrain from simply making the appropriate edits and moving on with your day. “Why”-driven critiques are the key to long-term success in content creation, as they show you care about the individual’s professional development.
Anytime I'm editing a piece, I point out things the writer does well in addition to things they can improve. Sprinkling in a few positives (such as really strong points or great word choice) can help soften the blow when a piece needs extra work. I'll also end on a positive note, such as "Let's make these changes and we should be good to go!" It helps them see a little light at the end of the tunnel, especially if I'm asking for a lot of edits. If the article is for a client, I let the writer know if a client has shifted direction or changed their mind on something. It deflects feelings of fault, which can be discouraging to writers who gave it their best.
One piece of advice I've found invaluable is framing feedback as a collaborative effort towards a shared goal, rather than a critique of the writer's abilities. Start by highlighting what works well in the piece to build a positive foundation. Then, when offering suggestions for improvement, use language that focuses on the content and its impact on the reader, rather than personalizing the critique. For example, saying "The argument could be strengthened by adding more supporting evidence" is more constructive and less personal than "You didn't provide enough evidence." This approach encourages a growth mindset, emphasizing that the feedback is a pathway to enhancing the work together, not a judgment of the writer's talent. It's all about nurturing a constructive and supportive dialogue that motivates rather than discourages.
The key to effective editorial feedback is mastering the 'feedback sandwich' technique. Begin by highlighting the positive aspects of the work, then delve into constructive criticism with specific, objective suggestions for improvement, whether related to structure, content, or style. Conclude with an encouraging note to maintain the writer's confidence and openness. Frame your comments as suggestions or questions to foster a collaborative dialogue that motivates growth and refinement, rather than a directive approach. By creating a supportive environment, writers are empowered to elevate their skills and continuously enhance their work.
As a UESCA certified running coach who manages both an online coaching business and a blog, I've learned that clarity paired with encouragement is key when providing editorial feedback. It's crucial to be specific about the areas that require improvement, but also to highlight the writer's strengths and the potential you see in their work. This balanced approach ensures that the feedback is constructive, fostering a positive environment for growth and learning. Another effective strategy is to engage in a dialogue rather than a monologue when discussing editorial changes. Encourage writers to express their thought process and intentions behind their work. This not only helps in understanding their perspective but also makes them feel valued and involved in the editing process, which can boost their confidence and investment in the content. Lastly, remember that timing and context matter. Offering feedback promptly and in an appropriate setting can greatly influence how it's received. Constructive criticism is best delivered in a private and focused manner, ensuring that the writer is receptive and the feedback is understood as an opportunity to excel rather than a personal critique.
As CEO & Founder of RankWatch, where we continually fine-tune our content to lead in the SEO space, my key piece of advice is to personalize your feedback. Recognize that each writer has a unique style and set of motivations. I remember a time when we were refining our blog strategy to better align with evolving SEO trends. We had to ensure our feedback was constructive yet respectful of each writer's individuality. By addressing feedback directly to the writer's specific challenges and highlighting how their unique voice contributes positively to our goals, we not only improved our content quality but also boosted our team's morale and creativity. Personalization goes beyond just acknowledging good work; it involves understanding and speaking to the writer's aspirations and growth areas. This approach not only fosters a supportive environment but also encourages writers to take feedback as a means to personal and professional development. It's about building a partnership where feedback is seen as a tool for collective success, not as criticism. This method has not only improved our content's impact on SEO but has also cultivated a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration at RankWatch.
Engaging Feedback for Writers You must focus on constructive criticism while highlighting strengths before suggesting improvements. You should provide specific examples and actionable suggestions for developing a collaborative atmosphere. Try to focus on potential growth and improvement while developing the writer’s confidence and motivation.
CEO at Digital Web Solutions
Answered 2 years ago
I've learned the critical importance of how editorial feedback is communicated. One piece of advice I stand by is the "sandwich method," a strategy where constructive feedback is nestled between positive comments. This isn't just about softening the blow; it's about ensuring writers understand their strengths as much as areas for improvement. For instance, when we integrated AI into our content creation process, it necessitated a new level of feedback for our writers. We used this method to highlight how their creative inputs were irreplaceable, even as we navigated the technical adjustments needed. This approach not only preserved their motivation but also fostered a culture of open, positive dialogue. This technique underscores the value of each team member's contribution, balancing critique with encouragement to inspire continuous improvement. It's crucial to make feedback sessions feel like a two-way conversation, where writers feel seen and heard. This balance is key to maintaining a motivated team, ready to tackle challenges and innovate, ensuring that the content remains a vital, thriving part of our business strategy.